The World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed a list of “global threats” for 2024.
“Misinformation and disinformation are biggest short-term risks, while extreme weather and critical change to Earth systems are greatest long-term concern,” the organization wrote in a press release.
The WEF believes that over the next two years, the top short-term threats are “misinformation and disinformation,” followed by “extreme weather events.”
“Emerging as the most severe global risk anticipated over the next two years, foreign and domestic actors alike will leverage Misinformation and disinformation to further widen societal and political divides,” the group writes in a report.
“As close to three billion people are expected to head to the electoral polls across several economies – including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States – over the next two years, the widespread use of misinformation and disinformation, and tools to disseminate it, may undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments. Resulting unrest could range from violent protests and hate crimes to civil confrontation and terrorism.”
In terms of long-term threats, however, “misinformation and disinformation” falls to the fifth-greatest concern.
“Extreme weather events” and “critical change to the earth systems” are the two greatest threats in a long-term perspective, according to the WEF.
“An unstable global order characterized by polarizing narratives and insecurity, the worsening impacts of extreme weather and economic uncertainty are causing accelerating risks – including misinformation and disinformation – to propagate,” the WEF’s Managing Director Saadia Zahidi said. “World leaders must come together to address short-term crises as well as lay the groundwork for a more resilient, sustainable, inclusive future.”
Last week, the WEF published an outline of its upcoming 2024 Davos, Switzerland meeting.
An agenda article published on December 11 emphasizes that the 2024 theme is “Rebuilding Trust.”
“The programme embodies a ‘back to basics’ spirit of open and constructive dialogue between leaders of government, business and civil society,” the article states. “The goal is to help connect the dots in an increasingly complex environment and provide foresight by introducing the latest advances in science, industry and society.”
Four key areas will be explored: “achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world,” “creating growth and jobs in a new era,” “artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society,” and “a long-term strategy for climate, nature and energy.”
